In today's fast-paced world of air travel, the importance of sustainability is becoming increasingly apparent. From reducing carbon emissions to minimising waste, airlines are constantly seeking ways to minimise their environmental impact. One area that often goes overlooked is the oral care products provided to passengers during flights. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of traditional airline oral care products and explore how its sustainable alternatives can help bring down corresponding aviation industry pollution CO2 emissions and reduce carbon footprint. 

What is the Lifecycle of Airline Oral Care Products?

Airline oral care products, from production to disposal, contribute to environmental strain and plastic pollution. With air travel serving 2.2 billion people annually, its impact on CO2 emissions has increased since 2010. Sustainable practices are vital to address these challenges, now more than ever.

As per Our World in Data, aviation contributed to 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. This percentage has varied between 2% and 2.5% since the mid-1990s but notably increased after 2010.

It is important to explore the often-overlooked aspect of the lifecycle of airline oral care products — essential items provided to passengers during flights. This journey, from production to disposal, sheds light on the environmental challenges they present at each stage and explores the viability of potential solutions.

1. Production:
   

   Traditional airline oral care products, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and mouthwash bottles, are typically made from a variety of plastic materials. These materials are derived from fossil fuels and require energy-intensive manufacturing processes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 
   
   

2. Packaging:
   

   Once produced, oral care products are packaged in single-use plastic containers, further adding to the environmental footprint. The packaging is often excessive and non-recyclable, leading to increased waste generation.

   
3. Distribution:
   After packaging, oral care products are distributed to airlines for inclusion in amenity kits provided to passengers during flights. This involves transportation via planes, trucks, and other vehicles, resulting in additional carbon emissions.
   
   
4. Consumption:
   

   During flights, passengers use these oral care products for personal hygiene purposes. While necessary for maintaining oral health, the environmental impact of these single-use items cannot be ignored.
   
   

5. Disposal:
   Once used, oral care products are disposed of in the aircraft's waste system or collected by cabin crew for disposal upon landing. The majority of these items end up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing greenhouse gases in the process.
   
    

“Each year, over 1.5 billion of them end up in landfills and our oceans, where they barely decompose. The rest of the 20 billion get burned, causing harmful CO2 to be released every year, again and again. This is not acceptable and we want to change that.”

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Airline Oral Care Products:

The lifecycle of traditional airline oral care products contributes significantly to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. From the extraction of raw materials to disposal, each stage of the lifecycle has environmental consequences:

• Extraction and production: The extraction of fossil fuels and the manufacturing of plastic materials require large amounts of energy, leading to CO2 emissions and air pollution.
• Packaging and distribution: The production and transportation of single-use plastic packaging further exacerbate carbon emissions and contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and landfills.
• Disposal: The disposal of oral care products in landfills leads to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as the plastic breaks down over time.

The Benefits of Sustainable Alternatives:

Switching to sustainable oral care products can help airlines reduce their environmental impact and mitigate climate change. Sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable toothbrushes - bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste tabs, chemical free locally sourced oral care products offer several benefits to airliners:

1. Reduced carbon emissions: Sustainable oral care products are often made from renewable materials and require less energy to produce, resulting in lower carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle.
2. Minimized waste: Biodegradable and compostable materials break down naturally, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and decreasing the environmental burden.
3. Enhanced brand image: Airlines that prioritize sustainability and offer eco-friendly amenities demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing their reputation among environmentally conscious passengers.
4. Cost savings: While initial investment in sustainable alternatives may be higher, long-term cost savings can be achieved through reduced waste management and disposal expenses.

The lifecycle of traditional airline oral care products has significant environmental implications, contributing to carbon emissions and waste generation. By transitioning to sustainable alternatives, airlines can minimize their environmental footprint and support efforts to combat climate change. By choosing eco-friendly oral care products, passengers can also play a role in promoting sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint while traveling. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize sustainability, the adoption of sustainable oral care practices represents a crucial step towards a greener future in air travel.

Sustainable Alternative: Smyle’s Environment Friendly Best Oral Care Products for Airliners

When it comes to oral care, Smyle is dedicated to providing sustainable, effective and eco-friendly solutions to airliners. Smyle’s proprietary chemical free toothpaste tablets, biodegradable environmentally friendly toothbrushes transform dental care, placing emphasis on both your oral health and environmental sustainability by minimising the carbon footprint. 

Here's what differentiates Smyle: 

• Microplastics: Smyle’s innovative toothpaste tablets are free from microplastics, ensuring a safe and effective brushing experience.

• Plastic Tubes:  All toothpaste tabs are packaged in plastic-free containers, avoiding single-use plastic toothpaste tubes that contribute to pollution and landfill waste.

• Harmful Chemicals: Smyle toothpaste tablets avoid harmful chemicals such as sulphates and parabens, prioritising your health and well-being.

• No Animal Testing: Smyle takes pride in being cruelty-free, guaranteeing that our oral care products are produced without any animal testing.